Letters to the editor - May 7, 2013

Published: Monday, May 6, 2013 at 11:16 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, May 6, 2013 at 11:16 p.m.

A vicious attack-dog with a bullet wound to the lower thorax is more likely to be photographed in death than is a heroic dog killed accidentally or deliberately for scientific purposes.

S. Clayton Callaway Jr., Wilmington

‘Don’t shoot my dog’

I see that another dog was shot by police. I have had nightmares since the dog they shot when (sheriff’s deputies) killed the kid near the college.

I dream that the police come to my door, and I say “Don’t shoot my dog.”

The police and sheriff’s department do not endear themselves to the community.

I hope they start connecting to the community and set an example for our young people … not someone to fear.

Rodney P. Robbins, Wilmington

Wrong ingredients for a world leader

We sound and act more like an emerging country than the leaders of the free world we positioned ourselves to be in over the last century. Remember when we freed Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and much of Asia from the Axis powers; created the Marshall plan to stabilize and rebuild devastated countries; formed the UN to communicate global goals?

Now we have 20 percent to 45 percent of the GOP (depending on which poll you believe) claiming they are prepared to use their guns to overthrow the government.

We have governors threatening to “use their Second Amendment rights” or secede from the union, and media personalities with millions of followers routinely using their First Amendment rights to foment insurrection. This is not a recipe for a sustainable modern democracy.

Our state is an example of reactionary politics. The last three months of legislation includes shortsighted decisions, arming college students, not accepting affordable health care, de-funding public education, gutting sustainable energy, and restricting voting.

This regressive agenda appears to be a childish reaction against common sense and the majority, just to prove power. Shame on all of us.

<p class="bold allcaps">Remember deaths of other dogs</p>
<p>A vicious attack-dog with a bullet wound to the lower thorax is more likely to be photographed in death than is a heroic dog killed accidentally or deliberately for scientific purposes. </p><p>S. Clayton Callaway Jr., Wilmington</p><h3>'Don't shoot my dog'</h3>
<p>I see that another dog was shot by police. I have had nightmares since the dog they shot when (sheriff's deputies) killed the kid near the college.</p><p>I dream that the police come to my door, and I say “Don't shoot my dog.” </p><p>The police and sheriff's department do not endear themselves to the community.</p><p>I hope they start connecting to the community and set an example for our young people … not someone to fear. </p><p>Rodney P. Robbins, Wilmington</p><h3>Wrong ingredients for a world leader</h3>
<p>We sound and act more like an emerging country than the leaders of the free world we positioned ourselves to be in over the last century. Remember when we freed Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and much of Asia from the Axis powers; created the Marshall plan to stabilize and rebuild devastated countries; formed the UN to communicate global goals? </p><p>Our brilliance discovered medicine, technology and goodwill that have saved millions. </p><p>Now we have 20 percent to 45 percent of the GOP (depending on which poll you believe) claiming they are prepared to use their guns to overthrow the government. </p><p>We have governors threatening to “use their Second Amendment rights” or secede from the union, and media personalities with millions of followers routinely using their First Amendment rights to foment insurrection. This is not a recipe for a sustainable modern democracy. </p><p>Our state is an example of reactionary politics. The last three months of legislation includes shortsighted decisions, arming college students, not accepting affordable health care, de-funding public education, gutting sustainable energy, and restricting voting.</p><p>This regressive agenda appears to be a childish reaction against common sense and the majority, just to prove power. Shame on all of us. </p><p>Elizabeth Woodside, Wilmington</p>